Week Two

Kaylee and I had almost identical picks last week, but the one difference I happened to win, so I am at 4-2 and Kaylee is at 3-3 after the first week. Oklahoma and Ole Miss let us down last week. Props to Houston (who probably will go undefeated now) and Florida State.

Week two isn't quite as exciting outside of the state of Utah as last week was. It also doesn't help me finding games when two of the teams I plan on picking each week are playing each other.

We'll start off with the biggest game in Utah.

BYU at Utah

Jordan's Pick: Utah Kaylee's Pick: Utah

November 28, 2009 was the last time Utah lost to BYU. That game, in Lavell Edwards Stadium, has left BYU fans wanting another victory ever since. This was also the game where the rivalry may have changed for as long as Kyle Whittingham is Utah's head coach. After that game, coach Whittingham has said Utah will never lose to BYU again as he is the coach. BYU will be trying to prove him wrong Saturday.

Utah's win against SUU was lackluster, but BYU's last-second win over a weak Arizona team wasn't anything spectacular either. I expect this game to be a slow, defensive battle for the first half. There won't be a ton of points on the board at halftime, but the game will be with the team that makes changes at halftime. I expect Whittingham to get the better of his protege, Kalani Sitake in the first game of their personal (friendly) rivalry. I have Utah winning by two touchdowns in the end.

Utah State at USC

Jordan's Pick: USC Kaylee's Pick: USC

USC was absolutely destroyed by Alabama in what could have been a huge statement win for the Trojans turned out to be an even bigger statement for the defending champions. Utah State, on the other hand, absolutely dominated Weber State (as they should). USU rushed for 428 yards while USC only had a total of 194 yards. USC should be hungry to prove they are still relevant because a loss to USU would mean the end of the season (and possibly the end of Clay Helton's USC coaching stint). I have USC winning by 10 points or less. Utah State isn't the real deal, but I don't think USC is quite there yet either.

Texas Tech at Arizona State

Jordan's Pick: Texas Tech Kaylee's Pick: Texas Tech

Texas Tech and Arizona State are playing their first games against a quality opponent. Arizona State dismantled Northern Arizona last week while Texas Tech demolished Stephen F. Austin (who I didn't know had a football team). I expect Texas Tech to come into Arizona and leave with the W this week though. I just don't have a lot of faith in the Sundevils this year. Sorry ASU.

Washington State at Boise State

Jordan's Pick: Washington State Kaylee's Pick: Washington State

Washington State may have suffered the most embarrassing loss of last week when they fell to FCS opponent Eastern Washington. Boise State has had one of the best decades of football for any team. I think Washington State pulls the upset here though. Washington State can score big points fast, but I don't think Boise will be able to keep up. 

Penn State at Pittsburgh

Jordan's Pick: Pittsburgh Kaylee's Pick: Penn State

Like the Utah/BYU game, this is a renewed rivalry after a hiatus. I've been a huge fan of Pittsburgh's running back James Conner for a long time. The guy is a hard runner and I expect him to be able to run well again Penn State. 

South Carolina at Mississippi State

Jordan's Pick: South Carolina Kaylee's Pick: South Carolina

If Washington State didn't have the worst loss last week then Mississippi State did. Mississippi State lost on a missed field goal to FCS South Alabama. Losses like that can motivate a team to do some incredible things. Look at Washington State last year. Even though Mississippi State is favored in the game, I have South Carolina winning. Without Dak Prescott, Mississippi State just isn't the same.

*Kaylee doesn't know my picks when she selects her picks. I don't know why her picks are always so similar.